Yet Another Attack

[dancinbcs]

Another serious dog attack in Melbourne today.

9 news

[*kirty*]

Very close to home. And again, its the bloody owners fault for allowing their dogs to roam.

[felix]

Well, at least we know how will this thread go on.

First, people will talk about victims and idiot owners.

And then, somebody will say something about the breed involved.

That will follow with posts that would defend the breed and accuse everybody else for breed bashing.

And, that is how the thread will end, just like every other thread that involves bull breed or bull breed cross.

Thread closed.

[inez]

Well, at least we know how will this thread go on.

First, people will talk about victims and idiot owners.

And then, somebody will say something about the breed involved.

That will follow with posts that would defend the breed and accuse everybody else for breed bashing.

And, that is how the thread will end, just like every other thread that involves bull breed or bull breed cross.

Thread closed.

Maybe the injoured wanted to get their names in the papers?

Maybe they shoved themselves and their dogs into the mouths of those poor unfortunate puppies?

Maybe its about time people stoped stressing these poor dogs, kept right away from the poor things, if you see them, have a heart, keep away, stop provoking them, dont put them at risk of being villified through no fault of their own, if their owner wants them to be free to roam where they please who are you or I to be so mean as to expect to use their streets and paths when they are going about their business?

Sureley its about time everyone realised the only way to protect them is to stay off their streets until they decided to go home, surely a bit of patience is all thats needed so they are safe from being upset instead of whats been happening by the up to now uncaring public.

Dont know why we ever didnt realise how easy the solution is, stop setting up these poor dogs for bad press, get a concience people, stay home and off the streets, its their turf, stop being so arrogant and think you have the right to walk down their streets, then they can live their lives in peace surely?

[tdierikx]

I don't know any dog owner who wants their dog to be the subject of a news article like this...

The general concensus of certain posters in threads like these is to lock up all dogs of a certain breed type... keep them away from people, etc... but is that realistic when on the other side of the equation is the lack of socialisation that may be a factor in incidents like this?

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - the number of responsible dog owners actually outnumbers the ones who aren't responsible - yet the media loves a good beat up, blaming breed instead of deed when it comes to this sort of thing. You'll never see a news article about a roaming dog that played nicely at the park with kids and other dogs, will you? I've been to a number of dog parks where that is exactly the case - some local dogs are let out to go and play there all day unsupervised, and there are no issues whatsoever... and in many cases those dogs have been of a bull breed mix.

T.

[Rosetta]

Well, at least we know how will this thread go on.

First, people will talk about victims and idiot owners.

And then, somebody will say something about the breed involved.

That will follow with posts that would defend the breed and accuse everybody else for breed bashing.

And, that is how the thread will end, just like every other thread that involves bull breed or bull breed cross.

Thread closed.

You forgot step 4 where the small dog bashing will commence - they are the real menace don't you know :)

[gwp4me]

Could someone with experience/in the know how, please prepare an emergency plan - and advise us, what to do in self defence, when dog attacks on humans or pets are happening. How to get the attacking animal off people or our pets?? That's the topic I believe has not been covered yet, but is of utmost importance to the public.

[tdierikx]

Grab the back legs and wheelbarrow them away from what they are attacking - 99% of dogs cannot actually reach to bite you if you have their back legs off the ground... you have the control there.

If more than one larger dog is fighting, don't intervene without help - you will get hurt.

T.

[Jed]

BEFORE the dog attacks. Go towards dog, with threatening posture, growl at dog in nasty voice. Throw stones if you have any. Take a walking stick, whether you need it or not, and whack the dog before it attacks .... a bit of pain always turns their attention. Whack it again if it doesn't work.a

Take hairspray and spray in the dog's eyes and face.

And .... unless .... the dog is a complete maniac this will work.

Probably sounds harsh, but if it was my dog or another dog, it would be my dog all the way.

If the dog has grabbed your dog, beat it.

If none of the above work, tdierikx has some good advice.

:)

[Wobbly]

Rope around the dog's throat, cut off it's air - it must release to try to breathe, drag it away by the rope and tie it up, don't get close enough to be bitten.

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

BEFORE the dog attacks. Go towards dog, with threatening posture, growl at dog in nasty voice. Throw stones if you have any. Take a walking stick, whether you need it or not, and whack the dog before it attacks .... a bit of pain always turns their attention. Whack it again if it doesn't work.a

Take hairspray and spray in the dog's eyes and face.

And .... unless .... the dog is a complete maniac this will work.

Probably sounds harsh, but if it was my dog or another dog, it would be my dog all the way.

If the dog has grabbed your dog, beat it.

If none of the above work, tdierikx has some good advice.

:)

By standing in front of my dogs and growling is how I've stopped most dogs but not all.

I did this on Christmas Day would you believe, no one around, I had 3 of my littlies on a lead in a local park when suddenly an old guy appeared with his dog and just let it off the lead. It was a very large black GSD/Kelpie type dog.

It came running at 100mph towards us, ears down. I did the usual, he didn't even call his dog. The dog turned round and went back to him and because it was Christmas and the dog was still off lead - I said "can you please put your dog on the lead". At which point, he threatened me with physical violence and became menacing. Stupidly i'd left the mobile at home as who'd expect this on Christmas Day?? I told him I was calling the police and he backed off whilst I fumbled in my bag ....

I was extremely lucky. This story is horrific and i'm afraid it isn't good for Staffies - can you imagine having to anaesthetise a dog to get it to let go of another dog??? Reading the descriptions of dog attacks by bull breed types, this seems to be a common thread - kicking, punching and using implements doesn't make them let go.

Edited June 9, 2013 by dogmad

[BlackJaq]

Agree, I pretty much start menacing the dog a soon as it starts to look like trouble, if it comes within reach it's basically agreeing to me beating the sh*t out of it and I go for it. Most will turn back once you take on a stiff, angry posture and start advancing on them though. I keep my animal(s) behind me and they know the drill, that includes the dogs as well as the horse lol.

If there is more than one then good luck to ya. I find others are more likely to help with multiple dogs if you tell them (in very simple terms) what to do i.e. "grab his backlegs" or whatever.

[Dame Aussie]

Yep, any dog approaching us gets stamping feet and yelling and if it still approaches it will get a kick. This has stopped any dogs trying to have a go at us.

[inez]

BEFORE the dog attacks. Go towards dog, with threatening posture, growl at dog in nasty voice. Throw stones if you have any. Take a walking stick, whether you need it or not, and whack the dog before it attacks .... a bit of pain always turns their attention. Whack it again if it doesn't work.a

Take hairspray and spray in the dog's eyes and face.

And .... unless .... the dog is a complete maniac this will work.

Probably sounds harsh, but if it was my dog or another dog, it would be my dog all the way.

If the dog has grabbed your dog, beat it.

If none of the above work, tdierikx has some good advice.

:)

By standing in front of my dogs and growling is how I've stopped most dogs but not all.

I did this on Christmas Day would you believe, no one around, I had 3 of my littlies on a lead in a local park when suddenly an old guy appeared with his dog and just let it off the lead. It was a very large black GSD/Kelpie type dog.

It came running at 100mph towards us, ears down. I did the usual, he didn't even call his dog. The dog turned round and went back to him and because it was Christmas and the dog was still off lead - I said "can you please put your dog on the lead". At which point, he threatened me with physical violence and became menacing. Stupidly i'd left the mobile at home as who'd expect this on Christmas Day?? I told him I was calling the police and he backed off whilst I fumbled in my bag ....

I was extremely lucky. This story is horrific and i'm afraid it isn't good for Staffies - can you imagine having to anaesthetise a dog to get it to let go of another dog??? Reading the descriptions of dog attacks by bull breed types, this seems to be a common thread - kicking, punching and using implements doesn't make them let go.

Thats because hunting dogs are not bred to let go, they are bred to hang on, no matter what, so the prey doesnt escape. The more they are hurt the more adrelenian released and the harder they will hold.

So if its a hunting bred, then the previous advice, "If the dog has grabbed your dog, beat it." isnt going to do anything but make it hang on harder.

Wonder what mix of "staffie" is in the one that was so true to its genes only the letal injection got it to let go? Its only mistake was it hadnt latched onto a wild pig. Otherwise it would be a hero.

Did anyone read the link about the dog stabbig?

23 times the owner of the 11 year old little terrier, had to before the attacker finally let go with its finally dying body.The reason pig dogs wear armour is so they dont get torn to pieces in their line of duty, cant pass on their excellent genes if their dead.

Frankly I intend to keep off the streets myself. I have no intention of joining that poor jogger or any of the other people who put themselves in harms way.

Although I am lucky, I live on acerage and if my dogs cant get enough exercise at home, tough luck.

Edited June 10, 2013 by inez

[Pjrt]

I was taught long ago a reasonably safe method of intervening & potentially halting serious dog fights, and the same method could be employed to get a dog off of a human.

At the time I was working at a kennel that bred 3 very very large breeds, 2 of which could be described as strong willed & potentially very dangerous breeds if aroused.

The method basically needs nerve, timing & strength, but on one occasion when I actually had to employ it, it worked brilliantly and I managed to stop 2 very very determined Akita from killing each other inside a kennel run. I found adrenalin was my friend!

Basically I was taught to NEVER EVER EVER go near the head end of the dog, but instead from as far a distance as practicable, touch the most aggressive dog on the flanks, tail, testicles anywhere in the nether region preferably with your foot or a broom or such. Be prepared for that dog to spin around suddenly & possibly aggressively and boot it under the chin with as much strength as you can muster. It will stun most dogs momentarily enough to let the other dog have a chance of being removed or running away. If the situation allows you to herd the aggressive dog away using you tone of voice and body posture. Do not wave arms or kick at it. Stay straight, tight & tall and make very loud gruff noises, rather than yelling & screaming. If practicable herd it towards an empty yard, shed or car etc and secure it without touching it. Be as calm as you possibly can as this will have effect on the dogs mood eventually.

If you are unfortunate enough to ever be attacked in the open by a truly viscious & unrelenting dog, remain silent & calm as possible & curl up on the ground as tight as you can with your arms & legs tight as possible under you and your face down. Yes the dog will still attack you visciously but protecting your face & limbs and abdomen will give you the best chance of surviving & minimising injuries & it will also dull the prey drive of the attacking animal to some extent, more so than if you run, scream or flail. In the same situation if at all possible to jam your front side against a solid object, use it but still keep low and curled up against it with your arms under you or tightly in front of you.

Of course every situation is different and no one method would be safe or effective in every situation.

[Dame Aussie]

Thanks skyefool, great advice

[BlackJaq]

Yes I agree.

On a different note, since when are "Staffies" hunting dogs? Last time I looked, the hunting breeds were generally accepted as hunting dogs, never heard of any Staffy breed being included in that list though.

When my hunting dog gets whacked whilst hanging onto prey, she will generally let go and adjust her grip to stop it happening again, not hang on tight until she is possibly dealt a fatal blow/bite, which would be stupid

Edited June 10, 2013 by BlackJaq

[Diva]

I have found from experience that standing tall and ordering a dog attacking yours off works a lot of the time, but that time it doesn't often involves more than one dog, and I am simply not strong enough, or quick enough, or have good enough balance to grab their hindlegs or beat them off or punch them hard under the chin or any of the other advice. I have tried, it was useless. I think there are a whole lot of people walking dogs who are no stronger or more athletic than I am.

Fortunately my dogs are big, and except when very young or very old they can defend themselves and each other when it gets really serious. But I believe a lot more effort needs to be put into policing leash laws, and penalties for people who have dogs behind inadequate fencing or let their dogs run the streets need to be severe, and widely publicised.

Edited June 10, 2013 by Diva

[Sandra777]

Saw this on the news this morning, hope the pug & the woman who's finger was bitten are OK.

Bashing, hitting, punching or screaming is not ever going to work - it just makes the attacking dog more determined not to let go of the dog which it will perceive as fighting back.

Rope around the neck (or leash or belt), or grab the dog's own collar if it's not one of those stupid studded things, straddle the dog and hold it in one place with your calves/thighs (this is for the able bodied only) & tighten until the dog lets go. Push in towards the dog it has a hold of and this will help block off the air flow. Only problem is that the dog that is being attacked will quite likely be able to bite you in it's efforts to defend itself.

Sad day for more dogs owned by idiots.

[Zug Zug]

Good luck getting yourself to do anything but face the dog and fend off each attack as it comes.

I have been attacked seriously by a serious dog once. There is absolutely no way I could have turned my back on that animal. I spent the time protecting my face and throat with my hands and arms.

If they hadn't dragged him off with chains, it would have been far worse.

While I agree that in theory getting into a tight ball helps protect critical organs, I think it would be very difficult to do while under attack.

Different I think when it's your dog being attacked, rather than you. I agree with earlier posts - get in their face and warn them off before it starts if possible. Much harder once things are under way.

Edited June 10, 2013 by Zug Zug